Joaquin Phoenix takes on role of Jesus Christ in new biblical biopic 'Mary Magdalene'

Three-time Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix will portray the role of Jesus Christ in a new biblical biopic "Mary Magdalene," with Rooney Mara playing the titular role.

The cast and crew of "Mary Magdalene" were recently spotted filming scenes of Jesus' crucifixion and burial in rural Italy, the Daily Mail reported.

The 42-year-old Phoenix, who is known for his portrayal of a corrupt and vain Roman Emperor in the 2000 film "Gladiator," grew a big, coarse bushy beard and wild hair to prepare for his role as Jesus Christ. Mara was seen wearing a simple, floor-length gray linen dress that was belted at the waist.

At some point during the shooting, Phoenix and another actor portraying the role of a Roman soldier enacted the scene of Jesus being pierced on the side with a spear. The cast and crew shot another scene in which Phoenix was wrapped-up in bandages and his face covered with a shroud before he was carried off by his co-stars.

The film, which is being directed by Garth Davis, will focus on an authentic and humanistic depiction of Mary Magdalene, according to Deadline. Since the Middle Ages, Magdalene has been reputed to be a prostitute although none of the Four Gospels have described her as such.

Mara, who is known for her role as Lisbeth Salander in "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo," was pursued by Davis for the role of Magdalene back in February. She had previously worked with the director in the film "Lion."

"Rooney's raw, brave approach to performances, coupled with her deeply magnetic inner life, holds all the dimensions needed to bring to life one of history's most misunderstood woman—Mary Magdalene," Davis told Deadline. "Having worked with Rooney on Lion, I know she is a once in a lifetime talent," he added.

The producers are yet to announce a release date for the film but it is expected to come out sometime next year. The script for the movie was written by Helen Edmundson and Philippa Goslett. It was produced by Iain Canning and Emile Sherman of See Saw.

Other cast members include Chiwetel Ejiofor as Peter and Tahar Rahim as Judas. Ryan Corr, Charles Babalola and Michael Moshonov will be taking on the role of the other disciples.